Danboard's Tamiya Wild Willy 2 Build Thread.

[Danboard]

Hello my friends! Just wanted to share the arrival of my new kit, a Tamiya Wild Willy2:



Fresh out of the shipping wrap and still shrink wrapped!

I ordered this from Great Hobbies of Edmonton a week ago and picked it up at the post office this morning. It was on sale too and I believe I got it for a very neat price!

As far as I can remember, the Tamiya Wild Willy has been one of the very first hobby grade RC that I've come to know along with the classic Tamiya Hot Shot. I've always wanted to get this truck but always ended up with something else. Since I wanted something that really embodied my childhood memories, I finally went for it.

Very excited to start building this RC. I have some spare radio receivers, servo and batteries, so all I need to do is start assembly.

Unboxing pictures to follow soon! Thanks for viewing!

[scxrunner]

Awesome!!! Cant wait to see some pics!

[Danboard]

I made an unboxing video of my new Tamiya Wild Willy 2 Kit:



Never made an unboxing video before so this is entirely new to me. Will post more images as soon as I can.

Thanks for viewing!

[bongofish]

I remember those when I was a kid. I had a first generation 'Pajero' and I wanted to build this one but never did.
Great find!

[Slimjr331]

Nice!! The wild willy is awesome. good unboxing video.

[Danboard]

Thanks you guys!

Just wanted to highlight some parts that came with the kit.

Model TAM58242 came with four pre-mounted monster truck style tires on chrome wheels:



The gearbox came pre-assembled with the motor installed. I might take this apart to replace the stock 1150 plastic bearings with 1150 Sealed Ball Bearings:



A Tamiya Electronic Speed Controller is also included in the kit:



Finally, in what may be my most favourite part of the kit, the Jeep-style body:



Woody not included.



What's nice about it is that it comes in green, giving you the option of not having to paint it. I am still deliberating if I should because as of the time of this writing we are still in the grips of Winter and doing some spray painting will be quite a challenge with the cold weather outside. If I get impatient I might go paint-less and will paint it when the weather conditions becomes more favourable.

Will update as soon as I can, thanks for viewing!

[GotCox]

Awesome! Can't wait to watch this thing get build. Been one of my favs for years also. Never have gotten to own one but seen a couple driving around over the years.

[Danboard]

Awesome! Can't wait to watch this thing get build. Been one of my favs for years also. Never have gotten to own one but seen a couple driving around over the years.

Thanks! I share your sentiments in it being a favourite!

Build in limbo while I wait for parts that I ordered. I was going to cannibalize some parts from my Tamiya Mini Cooper Build, but decided to order the needed parts instead.

Here's what I am waiting for:

HiTec HITHS646WP Standard Waterproof Metal Gear Servo:



Spektrum SPMSR200WP 2-Channel DSM Sport Receiver (Waterproof):



You can tell that I want to be able to run this rig in water if I choose to.

I ordered a number of Acrylic Paint as well for that Wild Willy Driver.

Will update as soon as I can, thanks for following along!

[Greenie]

very cool dude!!!!! looking forward to this for sure!!! I've found when people build they childhood dream rc, the build is awesome and the effort and outcome are AMAZING!!! so i really think i'm going to enjoy this build!!!!

[Danboard]

very cool dude!!!!! looking forward to this for sure!!! I've found when people build they childhood dream rc, the build is awesome and the effort and outcome are AMAZING!!! so i really think i'm going to enjoy this build!!!!

Thanks, Greenie!

Small update while I wait for the parts that I ordered to come in. As mentioned earlier, the gearbox came pre-assembled with the motor. However, it comes with plastic bushings and bearings. My first upgrade was to exchange this with sealed ball bearings:



Taking the gearbox apart was very easy, if not a greasy affair. Locating where the original bearings where was not very difficult too. I used seven (7) sealed ball bearings all-in-all for the gearbox upgrade.

Will update as soon as I can, thanks for viewing!

[Danboard]

Hello again, my friends!

I just received that stuff that I ordered to hopefully complete the build of this kit:



HITEC HS-646WP Water Proof Servo for steering.
SPEKTRUM SR200WP Water Proof Radio Receiver.
Tamiya Acrylic Paints and Paint Brushes.

This will be my first attempt at paint brushing too.

Needed to set some time off work to start assembly, hopefully soon.

Thanks for following along!

[Macedonian]

Very cool and unique unboxing video

[walter]

I got that kit in 2011 . It will surprise you how fast it is.

[Danboard]

Very cool and unique unboxing video

I got that kit in 2011 . It will surprise you how fast it is.

Thanks, guys!

Encountered a minor problem during the build. The SPEKTRUM SR200WP receiver that I got does not have a spare "AUX" port for the receiver battery connector of the TEU-104BK Tamiya Speed Controller. I was setting it up and was trying to bind my new receiver with my existing radio controller when I found out it that the SR200WP only has three ports (throttle, steering, and bind).

I do have a spare, regular non-waterproof Spektrum SR-300 Receiver from my other builds, but it's a shame that I can't use that SR200WP on this build.

Anyone have any ideas on how I can make that TEU-104BK work with the SR200WP? Or does anyone have a suggestion for an ESC that is waterproof that might be a good replacement?

[jaloos]

Doesn't Traxxas make an affordable waterproof esc.

Traxxas 3018R XL-5 Waterproof FWD/REV ESC with LVD

Traxxas Stampede Slash Grave XL5 Waterproof ESC Speed Control 3018R with LVD | eBay



Not sure if its a 540 motor. If not they make this version in a 380 can version.

The XL-2.5

[jaloos]

PS link is a good price LOL.

[Danboard]

Thanks, jaloos! I'll keep that recommendation in mind.

***UPDATE ON HOW TO MAKE A 2-CHANNEL RECEIVER WORK WITH A TAMIYA TEU-104BK***

I was able to make it work!

I found out that I only need to temporarily use any of the ports on the SR200WP to plug in the receiver battery plug of the TEU-104BK so the receiver can be powered. Once I am able to bind the receiver to the controller, I used the bind port to plug in that receiver battery plug. In other words, that bind port on the Spektrum receiver can be used as an extra port for such a need!

Will update the build as soon as I can, thanks for following along!

[jaloos]

Thanks, jaloos! I'll keep that recommendation in mind.

***UPDATE ON HOW TO MAKE A 2-CHANNEL RECEIVER WORK WITH A TAMIYA TEU-104BK***

I was able to make it work!

I found out that I only need to temporarily use any of the ports on the SR200WP to plug in the receiver battery plug of the TEU-104BK so the receiver can be powered. Once I am able to bind the receiver to the controller, I used the bind port to plug in that receiver battery plug. In other words, that bind port on the Spektrum receiver can be used as an extra port for such a need!

Will update the build as soon as I can, thanks for following along!

Perfect save some coin then.

[Danboard]

Hello again, my friends! Just wanted to share some photos of the completed chassis and drivetrain of my Tamiya Wild Willy 2.

Putting it all together was quite fun. I had some moments were I had trouble distinguishing between some of the screws but I was able to sort it out. Like any other Tamiya kit that I had built, I still didn't like that I had to deal with Phillips head screws with this one:







I replaced most of the stock plastic bearings with sealed ball bearings in the drive train except for those in the front wheels as I ran out of bearings. I also used the stock friction-type shocks but will upgrade those to oil-filled ones later on.

I have not installed the ESC and Receiver yet, but that will be done soon.

Thanks for following along!

[jaloos]

LOL looks cool. I like the big tire short wheelbase. Makes it look mean and bigger than it actually is.

Nice build.

[walter]

if you put the receiver and esc as far to the front as you can it will turn better, the front is very light under power.

[jaloos]

if you put the receiver and esc as far to the front as you can it will turn better, the front is very light under power.

LOL fill the front tires with BB's

[Danboard]

LOL looks cool. I like the big tire short wheelbase. Makes it look mean and bigger than it actually is.

Nice build.

Thanks, jaloos!

if you put the receiver and esc as far to the front as you can it will turn better, the front is very light under power.

Oh wow, thanks for the tip! I was wondering how I should mount the ESC and the receiver. The manual shows it at the very far back of the chassis, but now that you've given me an idea on how to, I think I know where to place them. Thanks again!

[walter]

I put my receiver on the servo , its a old 1980's am futaba . I put a deep socket on the front bumper springs with zip ties . the willy willl still ride wheelys but when the frount is on the ground it turns like a buggy.

[Danboard]

I put my receiver on the servo , its a old 1980's am futaba . I put a deep socket on the front bumper springs with zip ties . the willy willl still ride wheelys but when the frount is on the ground it turns like a buggy.

I ended up mounting the receiver in front of the ESC at the rear of the chassis:



However, I might be putting in an LED Lighting Kit to this rig in the future. That vacant spot over the servo would be an ideal location for it then, so I will still be able to achieve that handling characteristic that you mentioned from your own set-up. Thanks for the tip!

[jaloos]

Oh I see BB's in the front wheel a possibility LOL.

[walter]

Oh I see BB's in the front wheel a possibility LOL.

i may try and wrap the front wheels in lead ,like the stick on tire weights

[jaloos]

all my crawlers are done that way.

[Danboard]

Oh I see BB's in the front wheel a possibility LOL.

i may try and wrap the front wheels in lead ,like the stick on tire weights

all my crawlers are done that way.

Thanks, guys! I might consider that! On second thought, I did my first test run with my rig minus the body (I have not finished the Jeep body yet) and was surprised at how "wild" this rig truly runs! I can only do a quarter to a half squeeze to the throttle, otherwise the thing will instantly do wheelies! What a fun little rig! Walter was right when he mentioned how fast this is!

[Azrayel74]

This is just such a COOL little truck... I might just have to invest in one myself... Thanks for sharing your build process...

[SamsRC4U]

Great work so far. Your stuff is always tight & crisp. I really like the receiver you chose. I'm still dipping mine.

[Danboard]

Great work so far. Your stuff is always tight & crisp. I really like the receiver you chose. I'm still dipping mine.

Thanks, my friend!

Well, I was hoping to wait for favourable weather (it's still too cold outside) so I can paint some of the details but I just can't wait anymore so I decided to put the body together un-painted just to see how it looks.

Here's my Tamiya Wild Willy 2 with the unfinished body:



I haven't even removed the Wild Willy Driver from parts tree yet so I just asked my Little Friend Yotsuba to stand in for now.

I just love how cute this rig is! I might hold off on a running video till I complete painting, but for now it just looks great on my display shelf! Don't worry; this definitely will be a runner once I get to painting the details and get the decals on.

Thanks for following along!

[Greenie]

AWESOME!!!!
the stock plastic green actually isnt that bad!!! and Yotsuba makes a wonderful driver!!! Yotsuba might have to take over from the Willies driver permanently!!! LOL!!!

[jaloos]

Have to agree with Greenie looks awesome even with the stock green.

[Danboard]

AWESOME!!!!
the stock plastic green actually isnt that bad!!! and Yotsuba makes a wonderful driver!!! Yotsuba might have to take over from the Willies driver permanently!!! LOL!!!

Have to agree with Greenie looks awesome even with the stock green.

Thanks, Greenie and jaloos! I agree; the stock plastic green of the jeep body looks fine unpainted. I might leave it like that and will just paint the other parts.

[Greenie]

I mean, its not often the stock plastic is actually a good colour on a body. i must say i'm surprised!
maybe a clear coat to help protect it??? don-no... I've never had a hard shell before....

[jaloos]

Yeah I am sure the plastic is green all the way through. Scratches wouldn't show up as much.

[walter]

Yeah I am sure the plastic is green all the way through. Scratches wouldn't show up as much.

Yes it is molded in green plastic .

[Danboard]

I mean, its not often the stock plastic is actually a good colour on a body. i must say i'm surprised!
maybe a clear coat to help protect it??? don-no... I've never had a hard shell before....

Yeah I am sure the plastic is green all the way through. Scratches wouldn't show up as much.

Yes it is molded in green plastic .

Yup, the body is moulded in plastic green as Walter said. It's really nice because there is the option to keep it unpainted. In fact, I am not that worried if it ever gets scratched because I can just paint over it in the future should it gets beaten up too much.

[jaloos]

Pretty sure a guy can buff out any scratches too.

[Danboard]

Pretty sure a guy can buff out any scratches too.

It might be possible.

Doesn't Traxxas make an affordable waterproof esc.

Traxxas 3018R XL-5 Waterproof FWD/REV ESC with LVD

Traxxas Stampede Slash Grave XL5 Waterproof ESC Speed Control 3018R with LVD | eBay



Not sure if its a 540 motor. If not they make this version in a 380 can version.

The XL-2.5

I also took your recommendation and placed an order for a Traxxas XL-5 to replace the stock Tamiya ESC. That way I will be making my rig totally water-resistant with the waterproof steering servo and the waterproof receiver. It will save me the hassle of converting the Tamiya plugs into Traxxas plugs too.

[jaloos]

Very cool going to be an awesome little unit. Need a pic next to something for scale.

[Danboard]

Very cool going to be an awesome little unit. Need a pic next to something for scale.

Here ya go, Tamiya Wild Willy 2 compared to the Axial Wraith:

[jaloos]

Here ya go, Tamiya Wild Willy 2 compared to the Axial Wraith:

I love it man. Looks awesome.

[Danboard]

Hello again, my friends!

Just a short update: the Traxxas XL-5 I ordered arrived today (recommended by jaloos). This will replace the stock Tamiya ESC that came with the kit:



All the electronics of my rig are now waterproof, or at least water-resistant.

I also have put together and pre-fitted the Wild Willy Driver:



I am just waiting for more warmer weather so I can paint and detail the driver as well as all the other white plastics like the winch, steering wheel, tank, etc.

I have some oil-filled shocks on order as well so I can replace the stock friction-type ones that came with the kit. Will update as soon as I can, thanks for following along!

[Diablo]

The wild willy is coming together great my friend. Looks like it will be a heap of fun to run

[jaloos]

Hello again, my friends!

Just a short update: the Traxxas XL-5 I ordered arrived today (recommended by jaloos). This will replace the stock Tamiya ESC that came with the kit:



All the electronics of my rig are now waterproof, or at least water-resistant.

!

Very cool hope it works well for you.

[Danboard]

The wild willy is coming together great my friend. Looks like it will be a heap of fun to run

Thanks, Diablo! It sure feels like a lot of fun to run during my early indoor tests.

Very cool hope it works well for you.

The XL-5 works great, thanks for the recommendation! I switched out the Tamiya ESC for the XL-5 and it worked like a charm the first time. I liked that my ESC is now water-resistant and that the wirings are much neater. With the Tamiya, I had to deal with that extra battery plug and that ON/OFF switch. My batteries have Traxxas plugs so doing away with a Tamiya-to-Traxxas adapter with the Tamiya ESC is nice too!

The three profile settings on the XL-5 (Sport, Race and Training Mode) is a welcome bonus because I can set the ESC to training mode in the event that I need to let a nephew or niece play with this rig.

[Cataman]

Great job my friend so far. Can't wait to see it runing!!
Like it a lot.

[Danboard]

Great job my friend so far. Can't wait to see it runing!!
Like it a lot.

Thanks, Cataman!

A bit of a small update: I finished painting the parts that needed painting, especially the Wild Willy Driver:



This may be the hardest part of the build. I never hand/brush painted with Tamiya Acrylic before so I was a bit out of my comfort zone. I had experience painting in watercolour and paper, but never with a plastic model. My previous painting experience was with Lexan bodies and Tamiya Spray Paint cans. I had no idea what to expect. I did some research before I tackled the task at hand, though.

The trick was to paint in thin layers, very much like how you thinly spray Lexan bodies and gradually building the paint. You really need to be patient, which I was lacking a lot and was rushing the work. For the larger surface areas like the helmet, I thinned the Tamiya paint with some isoprophyl alcohol. For the smaller detail, I just painted straight out of the bottle.

It was very tricky working on the Wild Willy head. My hands were not that steady and the fine brush that I was using was not that good. Nonetheless, I am happy that I am done with the painting part. I will just give it a bit more time for the paint to fully cure before I will apply the decals and complete assembly of the Jeep body.

Thanks for following along!